Axpo and Vitol have successfully completed the first-ever ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation at Italy’s Port of Civitavecchia, utilizing the newly commissioned 7,500 m3 vessel Green Pearl. This strategic milestone integrates Europe’s second-largest cruise port into Italy’s growing alternative fuel network, following similar rollouts in Genoa and Naples. Driven by industry leaders like Axpo and Vitol, the expansion highlights the rapid development of low-emission supply chains essential for accelerating the maritime sector’s decarbonisation.
Civitavecchia, Italy | August 12, 2026 – In a major milestone for Mediterranean maritime decarbonisation, Axpo and Vitol have successfully completed the first-ever liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at the Port of Civitavecchia, Italy’s largest cruise port and Europe’s second-largest overall.
The landmark ship-to-ship refuelling operation targeted a flagship vessel belonging to a leading international cruise line, reinforcing Italy’s rapidly expanding infrastructure for alternative maritime fuels.
Key Highlights of the Operation
- Historic First: The operation marked the inaugural ship-to-ship LNG refuelling at the Port of Civitavecchia, executed seamlessly at the port’s berth 18 on a Sunday morning.
- The Vessel: The refuelling was carried out by the Green Pearl, a state-of-the-art 7,500 m3 Italian bunkering vessel. Brought into service in 2026 and operated by Axpo, the ship is purpose-built for both ship-to-ship and ship-to-truck bunkering operations across Italian ports.
- Strategic Expansion: Civitavecchia, the primary seaport serving Rome, now joins Genoa and Naples in offering commercial LNG refuelling services, marking a crucial leap forward in Italy’s alternative fuel supply chain.
Driving the Maritime Energy Transition
The introduction of LNG bunkering at Europe’s second-largest cruise hub signifies a coordinated effort to address tightening environmental regulations and accelerate shipping sustainability in the Mediterranean.
Simone Demarchi, CEO of Axpo Italia, emphasized the strategic importance of the milestone “This latest operation shows the ability of our supply chain to grow rapidly and meet the needs of leading international cruise lines. Over the coming years, the shipping and cruise sectors will be called upon to accelerate their decarbonisation journey. Today, LNG is one of the most substantial and readily available solutions to help support this transition.”
Echoing this perspective, Stefan Dubbeldam, Head of Small Scale LNG & LNG Bunkering at Vitol, highlighted the broader environmental outlook “LNG and bio-LNG have a key role to play in reducing emissions from bunkering. Vitol is globally invested throughout the value chain, from upstream bio-LNG and LNG production and offtake, through to solutions for customers through our LNG Bunker Vessel fleet.”
Expanding Low-Emission Infrastructure Across Europe
The extension of Axpo’s footprint to Civitavecchia builds upon a rapid succession of infrastructure rollouts. It closely follows the launch of LNG ship-to-ship bunkering services in Genoa in late 2025 and Naples in May 2026.
Axpo remains heavily invested in forging a robust, dedicated low-emission fuels supply chain tailored to the maritime and heavy transport sectors. Alongside the 7,500 m3 Green Pearl, Axpo has also chartered the Alisios LNG, a brand-new 12,500 m3 capacity bunkering vessel dedicated to low-emission fuels, which commenced operations in Spain in March 2026.
About Vitol
Founded in Rotterdam in 1966, Vitol has grown into a global titan in energy and commodities, orchestrating the management and delivery of energy, metals, and resources worldwide. Operating through approximately 40 offices globally, Vitol delivers over 600 million tonnes of oil equivalent (TOE) of energy. Beyond trading, Vitol is a heavy investor in global infrastructure, committing more than $13 billion to physical assets. A participant in the LNG markets since the mid-2000s, Vitol delivered 23 million metric tonnes of LNG and 1,800 TWh of natural gas, specializing in tailor-made supply solutions through its extensive fleet and portfolio.
About Axpo
Axpo operates with a singular purpose: to enable a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions. As Switzerland’s largest energy producer and an international leader in energy trading, the company specializes in the marketing of solar and wind power. Driven by a workforce of approximately 7,500 employees, Axpo leverages cutting-edge technologies to meet the evolving energy needs of customers across more than 30 countries spanning Europe, North America, and Asia.
Source: Axpo